Help! slow sho?

[DavidT]

ok guys, does this sound right?
On my way home from work, there is a small straight away (just a tad over 1/16 mile). I got on it in my sho (1990 mtx)from a stop. I reached 60 mph to a certain landmark. So I am in my slo (2001 se:Vulcan) and get this... I reach 62 mph... what gives!!! Granted I did not get over 5500 rpms in the sho, but surely I shouldnt have to rag it out just to match a reg. Taurus. Is the 11 year age difference to blame? Both are bone stock.
Is the shos speedo off due to replacing factory 15's with 16" slicers? The sho seemingly is in good shape???. What could be a big hinderance to power that might be not so obvious? The only thing I notice is there is a gassy smell (even while driving). It does not smell like pure gas but similar. I can't put my finger on it. I get around 325 miles to a tank of gas.
The car has 147,*** miles and I don't know if anything has ever been done to the engine (60k, 120k, etc.) I am, however, a firm believer in not fixing something unless it is broke.
What do you guys think? I hope I'm not banned from the shoforum hangs head in disgrace wink

 

[sdpatt]

Unless you ranthe SHO up to its power peak at around 6,000 rpm, there may not be that much of a difference to the SLO. But no matter what, it shouldn't have been slower.

Your car sounds tired and in need of some long overdue maintenance. The valve gapping will quiet the valvetrain and provide a minute amount more valve lift. New wires(?) can eliminate a power robbing minor or major spark misfire. If your timing belt is more than 60,000 miles old, replacing it will make a big difference. Big. Take care of the SHO and it will take care of you. Neglect the required manitenance and it will take care of your wallet. You can quote me on that.

 

[naval-avi8or]

Take Scotts advice cause he's absolutly right. She can get deep into your wallet if you don't maintain her.

 

[Mike Kopstain]

I am, however, a firm believer in not fixing something unless it is broke.

Just cause the car is still moving doesn't mean that it isn't broken. If that valve adjustment has never been done you'll feel like you have a new car after doing it. And as for the Vulcan, what can I say? Vulcan's OWN!